Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-13
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Number of shop closures and openings 2011– 2018
Student answer (Band 5.0)
Overall, opening of new shops showed the downward trend in given years, while the figures of closed shops fluctuated.
Opening of new shops, drastically decreased from approximately 8000 to 4000 in the first year. In the next two years it rose to 6000 in 2014, the number of shops opening showed a considerable decreased in the next year and fall at 4000 again. In the next three years numbers stayed constant with a minimal rise in 2017. In 2018 it reached at it lowest only 3000 shops were opened.
On the other hands, in 2011 between 6000 to 7000 shops were closed, the number increased to about 7000 and fall at 6500 in year 2013 and 2014 respectively. Closed shop sink to 500 in 2015, and sharply increased to 5000 and remained constant till 2018 with a marginal decreased in 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response makes a clear attempt to summarise the main features and general trends of the graph, noting the downward trend for shop openings and the fluctuations for closures. An overview is provided in the first sentence. However, the response suffers from a significant under-length penalty, as it contains only 141 words against the minimum requirement of 150 words. Furthermore, there are some inaccurate data representations and lack of detail in specific years (for instance, stating that closed shops sank to '500' in 2015, which is likely a misinterpretation of the scale or a typo for 5000). Because the task is only partially completed due to the word count deficit and imprecise data reporting, it aligns best with Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organised into distinct paragraphs, with a brief introductory overview followed by body paragraphs dedicated to openings and closures respectively. However, progression and cohesion are hindered by mechanical and faulty cohesive devices, such as 'On the other hands,' and confusing transitions between years (e.g., jumping abruptly through dates without clear logical links). Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the overall structure lacks smooth flow. While there is a discernible organisational structure, the execution of cohesive elements is limited, making Band 5.0 the most appropriate score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student attempts some less common vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'drastically', 'constant', and 'marginal decreased'. However, there are frequent word-choice and word-formation errors, such as 'opening of new shops showed the downward trend' (missing article), 'considerable decreased' (should be noun/adjective form), 'fall at 4000' (preposition error), and 'closed shop sink to 500' (incorrect verb form and data). These lexical inaccuracies and non-standard collocations cause some difficulty for the reader and reflect a limited lexical range, placing the response firmly at Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures like 'Overall, opening of new shops showed the downward trend... while the figures... fluctuated.' However, there is a high frequency of grammatical errors throughout the text, including tense inconsistencies, missing articles ('the downward trend'), and incorrect prepositions ('reached at it lowest', 'fall at'). Punctuation is also problematic in places, such as unnecessary commas ('On the other hands, in 2011 between...'). Because errors are frequent and occasionally cause strain for the reader, the grammar profile fits Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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